ADC holds LG primaries in 15 Plateau councils

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Plateau State has announced the successful completion of primary elections in 15 of the state’s 17 local government areas in preparation for the local government polls on September 9.

The party said the primaries, organised to select candidates for councillorship and chairmanship positions, were largely peaceful across the participating local government areas.

Speaking with journalists, the Plateau ADC chairperson, Hanatu Gagara, explained that the exercise could not be held in Mikang Local Government Area and Langtang South Local Government Area because aspirants from those areas obtained nomination forms after the deadline had elapsed.

According to her, the party was unable to process the forms before the closing date for the primaries.

“What really happened was that the two local governments came late to obtain the forms, and by then we couldn’t sell the forms to them anymore because the time had already elapsed,” Gagara said.

She, however, noted that the development might still be addressed following recent adjustments to the electoral timeline.

Electoral timeline extension may resolve pending primaries

Gagara explained that the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has extended the period for political parties to conduct their primaries in line with provisions of the new electoral law.

She said the party had just received official communication from the commission regarding the extension and would review the situation concerning the two outstanding local governments.

“Now that PLASIEC has increased the period for the primaries based on the new electoral act, their issue will be looked into,” she said.

“We haven’t started the process yet because I just received the letter this afternoon from PLASIEC regarding what happened.”

Despite the delay in the two councils, the ADC chairperson expressed confidence in the party’s readiness for the elections.

According to her, the party has fielded capable candidates who will compete with those of the ruling party across the state.

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“Well, we have great chances of winning the elections. As you can see, even with the defections from various parties, many people are coming in,” she said.

“That alone shows that there is a great possibility and strong prospect of winning.”

ADC intensifies mobilisation and membership registration

Gagara stated the party had begun extensive pre-election mobilization and urged members to actively participate in voting.

She disclosed that the party’s electronic membership registration exercise was ongoing across local government areas in the state.

According to her, party members have shown enthusiasm toward the process, particularly with preparations underway for upcoming congresses.

“Our members are enthusiastic, especially now that they know the congresses are coming up,” she said.

“A lot of people are participating, and we have stationed people in various local governments who are continuing with the registration.”

As election preparations continue, she encouraged current and prospective party members to validate their membership at their ward and local government offices.